CANNONSBURG — Friday night’s game between cross-county rivals Ashland and Boyd County means absolutely nothing, right?

Absolutely wrong.

Ashland coach Leon Hart discovered that quickly early in his Tomcats coaching career.

Hart’s first year at the helm for the Tomcats was 2003, which was also the last time Boyd County beat Ashland.

“We finished the season at Boyd County that year,” Hart said. “We knew we were going to be the two seed, and they were the four seed in the playoffs. I found out real quick when we lost how much it meant. Our fans were really upset.”

Pride is the only thing riding on the 47th matchup in the series, but that alone carries a ton of weight. Just ask Coach Hart.

“I remember (Boyd County) tearing down the goal post and burning an Ashland jersey,” Hart recalled. “I made our kids watch. That sent a real strong message—this game is important regardless of playoff ramifications.”

The question is, whose pride will prevail?

Boyd County (2-7) has battled sickness, injury and tough losses all season. But, since entering district play, the Lions have gone 2-2, including just a 10-point defeat to unbeaten Lawrence County a week ago.

Hart has taken note of Boyd County’s improvement.

“They play really hard,” Hart said. “You could see that (Lawrence County) was an important district game for them. Their intensity level was higher.

“Boyd County will play as hard as they’ve played all year long,” Hart added. “Every time it’s this game, they’re going to play their best game.”

Boyd County failed to play its best game against Ashland last season, as the Lions fell 35-0 in an effort in which they “laid an egg,” according to Boyd County coach Lee Evans.

“We did not come out and match the intensity that Ashland brought to that game,” Evans said. “Had we played our best, they may have still beaten us, but if you don’t come ready, you don’t stand much of a chance.”

Ashland’s lone loss this season came in heartbreaking fashion, a 29-28 defeat at Johnson Central in Week 8.

Boyd County will have to try to slow down the numerous backfield threats posed by Ashland, including Josh Alber and Trey Rogers. Alber, rushed six times for 26 yards with a sprained ankle in Saturday’s win at Woodford County, but Trey Rogers went ballistic for 270 yards and four TDs. Alber leads the team with more than 1,000 yards rushing.

“They spread you out and isolate you,” Evans said. “You have to ask an individual kid to make a play, and if you don’t, it’s going to be a big gain.”

But Evans might be even more impressed with the Tomcats’ defense.

“Their defense is outstanding,” Evans said. “That’s their marquee. The (offense) can go three-and-out and not panic. We have to move the ball and control the clock.”

Playoffs are looming for both teams, with Boyd County going to Knox Central and Ashland hosting Dixie Heights, both on Nov. 6.

According to Hart, the Ashland players have been able to concentrate on the task at hand.

“If (the opponent) was someone other than Boyd County, it could be a problem,” Hart said. “But these kids know how the community feels about winning this ball game. They’ve done a good job all season to focus on one week at a time.”

AARON SNYDER can be reached at asnyder@dailyindependent.com or (606) 326-2664.